St. Pete College to Hold Public Utilities Career Exploration

By JON WILSON, Consulting Editor, TB Reporter

The May 17 event promises plenty of information about career planning in addition to networking opportunities.

ST. PETERSBURG — As part of its Career Exploration Series, St. Petersburg College is host to an event for those interested in the public utilities fields onTuesday, May 17from 4 to8 p.m.at the St. Petersburg College Seminole Campus Conference Center, 9200 113th St. N., Seminole, FL.

The event will feature several information sessions about career planning, water treatment and distribution, and other relative topics to the industry as well as a networking opportunities with local municipalities, educators and members of public works related professional organizations.
Attendees will learn about current and future career opportunities and training requirements, salary expectations salaries and scholarship opportunities.

Participants include the Public Works Academy at Pinellas Technical Education College, St. Petersburg College, American Water Works Association, Florida Water and Pollution Control Operators Association, American Public Works Association, Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), and the cities of Clearwater, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, and Pinellas County.

Demand is steadily increasing for skilled public works/utilities positions. This is due, in part, to more stringent regulations and more limited natural resources as well as a steady stream of retiring professionals leaving the industry that is creating an increasing need for this type of professional.

The public utilities profession has a wide range of needs and career opportunities. Depending on individual interests and skills, there is a need for professionals in the areas of: outilities administration (leadership, compliance, public relations, data management, project management, reporting, accounting/finance, etc.); water and wastewater treatment; collection and distribution systems (such as pipelines and pumping stations); water quality maintenance and analysis (including laboratory positions); electrical/mechanical maintenance and repair; computer/control systems programming, maintenance and repair, information technology; and professional consulting (engineering, hydrogeology, economics, environmental science, etc.)